Bovine anaemia caused by the Theileria orientalis group has emerged as a disease in NSW in recent years. Presence of non-pathogenic type Theileria orientalis buffeli in red blood cells in Australian cattle, has not previously been associated with clinical signs. Pathogenic sub-types Theileria orientalis Ikeda and to a lesser degree Theileria orientalis Chitose have now been identified in Australia in association with the development of anaemia in naïve cattle. Pathogenic types Theileria parva (East Coast Fever) and Theileria annulata (tropical theileriosis) cause more serious disease and are exotic to Australia.
Bush ticks are suspected to spread Theileria in NSW but further research is required as other means of transmission are suspected.
Clinical signs include pale mucous membranes, jaundice, tachypnoea, tachycardia, weakness/lethargy/exercise intolerance/inappetance, fever, abortion/stillbirth, reduced milk production. Haemoglobinuria is not a feature.
Diagnosis is suggested by history of movement of cattle between endemic and non-endemic areas and clinical signs and is confirmed by blood smear examination for regenerative anaemia and Theileria parasites in red blood cells.
Test | Sample(s) required | Days of the week test is conducted | Turnaround time1 |
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Smear examination | EDTA blood (purple top tube) | Monday – Friday | 1-2 days |
Theileria qPCR2 | Clotted blood (red top tube), lithium heparin blood (green top tube) or EDTA blood (purple top tube) | On demand | Up to 5 days |
1 Turnaround times are provided as a guide only. For specific information about your submission please contact Customer Service.
2 The test is not NATA accredited.
Blood (with anti-coagulant) |
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Blood (without anti-coagulant) |
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Contact Customer Service for enquiries relating to testing and results, quotations and pricing, couriers, sample submission and invoicing.
NSW DPI's laboratories are committed to continual improvement of services. If you would like to provide feedback, please fill in and submit the online feedback form.
CONTACT DETAILS | |
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Phone | 1800 675 623 |
Operating Hours | 8:30am-4:30pm Monday-Friday (excluding public holidays) 8:30am-12:00pm Saturday (for deliveries only) |
Postal Address | Private Bag 4008, Narellan NSW 2567 |
For Animal export, Plant health or Veterinary quotations, please complete the online quotation request
For Edible oil & oilseed or Feed quality quotations and pricing enquiries, please contact DPI AgEnviro Labs at Wagga Wagga on (02) 6938 1957
For Plant nutrition, Soil health or Water quality quotations and pricing enquiries, please contact DPI AgEnviro Labs at Wollongbar on (02) 6626 1103
Veterinary Specimen Advice Form
Please Note: These documents are not fully web accessible, please contact Customer Service (laboratory.services@dpi.nsw.gov.au) for more information.
For NSW submissions, please contact the relevant Customer Service team for courier account details and to order consignment notes.
For submitters outside of NSW, Couriers can be contacted directly to make bookings and arrange collection of packages at the submitters own cost.
Commercial couriers may use either road or air transport and specimens should therefore be packed in accordance with International Air Transport Association (IATA) requirements. Most submission sent by veterinarians to the SVDL for testing are defined as “Biological Substance Category B” and must be packed according to the IATA packing instructions 650 (Biological Substance Category B). As requirements for transport can change, customers should consult with their transport agent to obtain current requirements.
Samples may also be hand delivered to the site during normal business hours (8.30am - 4.30pm).
Sample Type | Laboratory | Street Address |
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Animal (including aquatic animals) | NSW Animal and Plant Health Laboratories (APHL) | EMAI, Woodbridge Road, Menangle NSW 2568 |